Perez impressed by Newey: "It's like talking to Max"

After the crazy silly season of 2020, there are quite a few drivers who had to get used to a new car last weekend. The driver that probably made the biggest change is Sergio Perez. The RB16B requires a completely different approach than his Racing Point of last year.

“The car setup, the car mechanically is totally different to the Racing Point. You just find the time very differently, in different ways. The driving that the car requires is very different to the Racing Point," said the Mexican in the first Beyond the Grid of the new season. "The suspension is completely different, the mechanical balance and there is also a difference in aerodynamics," Perez continued.

Adrian Newey talks as a racing driver

It's actually been the case since the big rule changes of 2017 that Mercedes (which last year's Racing Point was based on) and Red Bull have two opposite interpretations of the rules. Mercedes uses a long wheelbase, while Red Bull opts for a short wheelbase with a high 'rake', the trademark of Adrian Newey. Perez, in working with the designer, has been particularly impressed by his way of communicating.

"He’s obviously a very clever guy, but he’s also a racing driver. When you talk to him it feels like you’re talking to a racing driver that has just driven the car. In a way it’s like talking to Max, he knows what’s going on and what’s happening with the car. That’s pretty impressive," Perez said.